Daily solutions, herbal medicine
When I was first diagnosed with reflux esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), all I wanted was the nagging headaches, sore throat, diarrhea, heartburn, and chest pain I had been feeling for weeks. All I had to do was get the perfect medicine to relieve pain and other discomforts.
The doctor assured me that if I take the right medicine, I will be back to normal in no time. But as the days and weeks went by, I noticed that while some symptoms were getting better, others seemed to be getting worse. Headaches, nausea, and even a constant sore throat became unwanted companions. Then I began to wonder if there was another way that didn’t require more drugs and their seemingly endless side effects.
The battle against drugs to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disease in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This acid reflux can destroy tissue in the esophagus. Reflux esophagitis is more than just heartburn. It is a persistent problem that can seriously impact your quality of life.
My doctor first prescribed over-the-counter medications such as antacids to neutralize acid in the stomach, histamine or H-2 blockers to reduce acid production, and proton pump inhibitors to block acid production and heal the intestines. I prescribed it. I finally thought that once I finished drinking it, I would be fine, but I was wrong.
I returned two weeks later because the medication had only a temporary effect and I developed more severe symptoms of reflux esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Again, my doctor prescribed a prescription-strength drug containing a proton pump inhibitor and an H-2 blocker. I thought this was the end of my struggle. However, I still struggled with issues such as nausea, headaches, and diarrhea, as well as health issues from low vitamin B-12 and magnesium levels, a side effect of the medication.
As the cycle continued, surgical procedures such as fundoplication could be required, which led to feelings of frustration and defeat. Medications to treat GERD and GERD have had severe side effects, so doctors recommend lifestyle changes as a way to eliminate GERD symptoms and improve overall health. I did. That’s when I started considering a more holistic approach.
holistic approach
I began researching holistic approaches to fueling my health journey and found that diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies were the best fit. Since surgery wasn’t an option at the time, I decided to try herbal medicine and change my diet. I stopped eating large meals, high-fat meals, and late-night meals that worsened my GERD and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Additionally, I reduced my intake of alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and spicy foods, and learned several stress management techniques. To my surprise, I saw improvement after a while and was very hopeful.
Explore the power of plants
During this time of frustration, I came across a book called The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Dr. Nicole Appelian and Dr. Claude Davis. It wasn’t just about helping the symptoms, it was about understanding the root causes of digestive problems and using natural remedies to address them. This resonated deeply with me. This book introduced me to a holistic approach where dietary changes, stress management, and herbal supplements work together to create a more balanced digestive system.
The herbal medicines in this book will help alleviate each symptom and discomfort by addressing the root cause of the problem. It also helps improve your body’s natural repair abilities. On page 54 of this book, I found a combination of cabbage and salt that helps with bowel movements. Thanks to perfectly laid out illustrations and preparation and storage tips, you can use herbal medicine to alleviate the discomfort of diarrhea, bloating, and constipation, and it works like a charm.
Fermented cabbage, which produces sauerkraut, a probiotic, is effective in protecting the digestive system and regulating bowel movements. The book listed other options for relieving bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, including aloe vera, flaxseed, activated charcoal, birch, bearberry, American basswood, and chokecherry.
I also prepared and used a simple sore throat remedy mixed with peppermint and honey to cure my sore throat. Another effective treatment was a delicious medicated syrup of onion and sugar known to relieve throat infections. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can also cause headaches, so I followed Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis’ recommendation to apply peppermint oil to relieve headaches.
Rosemary has appeared in books as another treatment for dealing with headaches. I also used ginger, an herb containing gingerol that helps with proper digestion and nausea, and relieves symptoms of other gastrointestinal disorders.
Results of a holistic approach
The changes didn’t happen right away, but over time, I started noticing them. For example, my persistent headaches became less frequent, my bloating subsided, and the constant sore throat that had been bothering me for months finally started to ease. I don’t claim that herbal remedies are a panacea, but when combined with dietary modifications and lifestyle changes, my health has improved significantly.
But here’s great news. This holistic approach had little to no side effects. Unlike conventional medicines that can have many side effects, the herbal medicines I used were gentle on the body. No more trading one problem for another, just gradual, consistent improvements.
Comparison of herbal medicine and pharmaceuticals
When I compare my experience with pharmaceuticals and my experience with herbal medicine, the difference is clear. Traditional medications such as prescribed alginates, foam barriers, proton pump inhibitors, antacids, and H-2 receptor blockers have side effects that can increase discomfort. Some can cause vitamin B12 and magnesium deficiencies, leading to other health problems such as bone fractures and kidney disease.
Herbal remedies, on the other hand, take a more gradual approach and support the body’s natural healing processes rather than simply masking symptoms. Unlike medicines, which are designed to quickly address symptoms, herbal medicines may take longer to take effect, but are often more sustainable and have fewer side effects.
For example, ginger, a common herbal medicine for digestive disorders, not only reduced nausea, but also helped with overall digestion and the development of heartburn.
Exploring the “Lost Book of Chinese Medicine”
If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or other digestive issues, I highly recommend The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Dr. Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis. This is a great resource that delves into the power of natural remedies and provides a roadmap to building a more balanced digestive system. The book also features 2-4 high-quality color photos of each plant, making it easy to navigate and understand and helping me decide exactly which plants to use. This book is available from a variety of stores including Amazon, Mother Earth News Store, and other online bookstores.
However, this book does not only deal with Chinese medicine. It emphasizes the importance of understanding your body and the triggers that worsen your condition. It’s about creating a personalized approach to healing, and that’s something I truly believe in.
find your way
My journey with gastroesophageal reflux disease has been a learning experience. It has shown me the power to take control of my health and explore a more holistic approach. Consider all available conventional and alternative treatments to find the balance that works for you. What worked for me may not be the perfect solution for you.
However, my experience highlights the potential of a holistic approach. We recommend consulting your doctor before making any changes. Your doctor can help you decide if this approach is beneficial and work with you to adjust your medications if necessary.
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